Valdeen Shears-Neptune
Several popular Hollywood movies over the years have featured cheerleading more as a social medium than a sport. One dedicated series, Bring It On spanned a period of nine years and five movies, which mainly highlighted the rivalry and competitiveness of the activity. However, for the T&T Cheer Federation (TTCF) it’s much more.
Founded in 2009, the federation is the governing body for the sport of cheerleading in T&T and is bent on advancing the sport of cheerleading, while simultaneously creating opportunities, both locally and internationally. Its ultimate goal is to identify talents, attract new interests, and utilise the expertise of this country’s coaches and tutors involved in all aspects of cheering.
With this in mind, the federation, which has four core officials and hundreds of members across the country, hosted its first open day event three years ago. Out of this was birthed the federation’s annual Cheer and Dance Spirit Camp, which comes off this year on March 19 and 20, at the Jean Pierre Complex, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain.
TTCF’s president Koya Barrimond said the federation has been able to introduce the sport to schools in T&T, and continue its development with the support and endorsement from not only its international registered governing bodies International Cheer Union, International All Stars Federation, and Caribbean and Central American Cheer Union, but Ministry of Sport, Ministry of Education, Tobago House of Assembly—Sport and Youth Affairs Division.
She said the young members are passionate and dedicated to the sport. “It’s amazing to see their levels of commitment.” She has seen primary schoolers transform from shy and introverted to outspoken, outstanding individuals through their participation in cheer and the interaction with others members, even at a competitive level.
Presently, the TTCF comprises over 300 athletes from secondary schools, primary schools and clubs. The numbers, she added, are fast growing, as the TTCF has turned its focus on South and East Trinidad. While the organisation has seen many wins at local and regional meets, they have set their sights at bringing home gold for T&T next year at the World Cheer Championships in the US.
When the TTCF’s Extreme All Stars team participated last year, Barrimond said the level of standard was very high and the trip to Orlando really enlightened the young athletes on how much more work has to be invested into their game. They came back with an even greater sense of determination and the consensus to use last year’s experience as a stepping stone to excel at the 2017 championships.
This month also marks the observance of International Cheer Safety across the world. “We are thrilled by the accelerating enthusiasm that is presently associated with cheerleading however, it is imperative that each respective administrator of the sport in any forum, be it a school, club or associated activity, ensure that the recruitment of cheerleading coaches for their respective teams be done through and under the auspices of the T&T Cheer Federation,” noted Barrimond.
She said the TTCF pays particular attention to monitoring so that coaches ensure cheerleaders engage in authorised cheerleading programmes and activities (workshops, camps, competitions, cheer fun day) sanctioned under the guidelines of the TTCF, a stickler for safe and progressive stunting at all times.
Come July, excited cheerleaders across the country will eagerly anticipate winning many medals and trophies at the National Cheer Xplosion and then again in November at, So You Think You Can Cheer contest, hosted by the TTCF.
Some of the schools expected to be at both events include, Atwell’s Primary, Sacred Hearts Girls’, St George’s College, St Joseph Convent San Fernando and Port-of-Spain, Holy Name Convent, Holy Faith Convent, Siparia West Secondary, Chaguanas North Secondary, Mucurapo West and Union Claxton Bay.
Additionally, clubs such as the Southern Scarlet Club (South), Treasure House Cheer Club (Central), Monarch Cheer All Stars, Phoenix All Stars and Teamwork, are also carded to compete.
TTCF AT A GLANCE
TTCF comprises over 300 cheer athletes in various secondary schools, primary schools and clubs, and is growing yearly. Over the last two years, the TTCF hosted local championships, consistently welcoming over 20 teams. TTCF continues to develop as a cohesive mark for all those who are dedicated to the positive advancement of cheerleading throughout the country, and by extension the world.
TTCF joins Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Barbados as members of the International Cheer Union (ICU), serving as a powerful advocate for those who are truly dedicated to the advancement of cheerleading. The Federation enrolls from as early as age five.
Cheer Nation
High School Cheer Programme
Primary Schools-Start Cheering Young
TTCF focused on primary schools in the sport cheer, over the last season. The interest and enthusiasm was overwhelming as the sport was well received, by the children and administrators. There are over 100 athletes cheering from the primary schools.
Xtreme Cheer All Stars Programme
A high performance pathway programme designed to promote and advance cheerleading on our local front, while developing top level athletes who are competent to compete at international standards and levels, also producing a core base for expert and quality coaches.
Coaches U—(National Coaches Education Programme)
Training coaches